Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — Wednesday evening  (Aug 28, 2013)  the Jamestown Public School Board and Jamestown Education Association presented their sides, during a mediation session concerning the impasse between the school board and the Jamestown Education Association, with many in attendance at the middle school’s Thompson Room.

A government-appointed fact-finder noted that this is the closest impasse case he’s ever seen.

The fact-finding commission, includes Jerry Hieb, of Valley City, and former state Sen. Barb Evanson, of Bismarck.

The fact-finding commission is made up of three members, one appointed by Governor Jack Dalrymple, one appointed by the state attorney general and one appointed by the Department of Public Instruction.

Salary is the sticking point in negotiating the two-year teachers’ contract, leading the groups to impasse.

The fact-finding commission questioned both sides.

Then the hearing was then opened for public comment, and three school employees voiced concerns.

Teacher Jay Nitschke emotionally spoke on how although she plans to retire soon, she doesn’t want to see lower salaries have a negative effect on students or her fellow teachers, who are also her friends.

The fact-finding commission, , will provide recommendations to the School Board and JEA within seven to 10 days.

Following that the board and JEA must hold at least one negotiations meeting.

Then if the issues are not resolved within 20 days of the recommendation, the fact-finding commission will advertise its recommendations in a full-page ad in The Jamestown Sun at the expense of the board, after that School Board can finalize the contract.